Caveau de la Huchette - Swing Dance in Paris

Swing dance is cool in Paris! One really hot club is "Caveau de la Huchette," a cave in the Latin Quarter famous for its live jazz and livelier dancing. Parisians and tourists of all ages danced boogie-woogie, jive and bebop all night long. Most of the locals did not speak much English but the international language of dance was all we really needed!

What an exciting Saturday night I had! The Christelle Perieira Sing Ella group played music that sounded even more magical because of the acoustics in this historic cave (in use since 1551 for a variety of political purposes). There was plenty of space at the bar to just hang out and listen to the amazing music, too.

While boogie-woogie, jive and bebop are rarely taught in the USA, I found that my swing dance skills enabled me to pick up the basics when shown by patient Parisians. Then it was just about lead and follow. How wonderful to be able to walk into a lively night spot in Paris and join in the party!

Rather than follow the tourist trail when abroad, learning to dance will enrich your visit and enable you get off the beaten path and and have an authentic experience. It was real night out in Paris - no corny "Moulin Rouge" for me! And, the people I met became wonderful new dance friends.

Caveau de la Huchette
5 Rue de la Huchette
Métro (subway) St Michel ou cité (près (near) de Notre Dame
http://www.caveaudelahuchette.fr

Tucson Swing Dance Club

Every Thursday night in Tucson, Arizona about 100 west coasties meet for this most fantastic party! There is an amazing lesson and everyone is very friendly. All it takes is one night to feel like you've been a member of this club for years.

The lessons were exceptionally well organized and clear in their instruction. Darian Barrett & Robert Grace (two very talented teachers with bright futures) taught in three parts, moving from pre-intermediate to advanced and everyone was able to get something out of the class. Moreover, everyone was kind and encouraging to those who found some parts to be challenging.

I was very lucky to be there for the annual "All American Jack n' Jill." This event was very fun. It was open to all levels - come what may! 41 couples appeared on the floor and danced in two heats. The best part about this competition was the attitude held by the dancers. It was meant to be fun and it stayed that way.

There was also lots of social dancing. Everyone danced with everyone else. This club is just so much fun! The dance and lesson is free to first time visitors. Members only pay a measily $3! If you are going to Tucson, this is the thing to do and the people to meet.

Tucson Swing Dance Club
6245 E. Bellevue St. (near Speeday and Wilmot)
520 745-0255
http://www.tsdc.net

Maverick - King of Clubs

On Saturday night in Tucson, Arizona there is no better place to be than Maverick, King of Clubs. What a hot scene! Everyone was duded up in their best western wear for a night on the town and - WOW! - can those cowboys dance!

http://www.mavericktucson.com/

This country western nightclub is conveniently located on the east side of Tucson in restaurant row. The club is a perfect size, has a fantastic dance floor and lots of tables and places to hang out or set a drink down while dancing. Everyone was very friendly and outgoing.

L. P. Perez teaches beginning and intermediate west coast swing starting at 5:30 pm for a measily $5. A lesson like that in NYC would cost $30! And it was a really good lesson too! We learned interesting new patterns and syncopations. His lovely partner, Brooke, demonstrated great styling.

West coast swing music is played until 8 pm. The music then begins to mix two-step and swing. The Jack Bishop Band comes on at 9 pm and delights everyone with top ten favorites and oldies but goodies. Some customers sing along and clap.

By 10 pm, there was a rodeo going on! Every corner of the joint had cowboys and cowgirls dancing, singing, clapping and laughing! I don't know where you could find a more cheerful crowd!

If you plan a trip out to the old west - this place will be a highlight of your visit. I certainly will never forget it. It was one of the best social dance places that I have ever been in.

Strictly Westie Swing!

The Strictly Westie organization holds a dance every Tuesday night in NYC that rivals New Year's Eve! It was the Disneyland of dancing - not a care in the room. Everyone was smiling, everyone was dancing with absolutely everyone else and nothing on earth mattered.

These parties are currently being held at Connolly's Pub in Times Square. Jen Czarkowsky was the amazing DJ that prevented everyone from sitting down until they were too exhausted to go on. No one talked about anything but the next dance party and upcoming Liberty Swing which is a west coast swing dance weekend held at a hotel in Newark, New Jersey. There will be lessons, competitions, shows and dancing all day and night.
http://www.libertyswing.com

If you have not discovered west coast swing - what are you waiting for? Lessons are always offered from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and the teachers will help you. The event organizer, Michael Diener, truly cares to create an environment that kindles a warm and fuzzy feeling about dancing and about other people.
http://www.strictlywestie.com

And just a note about the picture: the young man featured was on leave from the Navy after being stationed on a ship in middle eastern waters. We hope we made a special evening for him to remember when he goes back to standing up for America.

Dancing in York, Pennsylvania

York, PA and surrounding area is a HOTBED for dancing! There were so many places to go that I could not possibly list them all. You lucky Yorkies!

The biggest thing going on is the York Swing Dance Club. There is a dance every Friday night, including a lesson, at Studio 324 on Market Street. They only charge $6. The first Friday of the month is free and dedicated to new dancers. http://www.yorkswing.org

Vera Kaywa, of 2Dance Studio, hosts a monthly dance at the Jewish Community Center in York. The center has a 2000 sq. ft. hard wood dance floor. There are lessons at 4:30 pm and social dancing until 8:00 pm on the last Sunday of each month. http://www.2danc.com/index.htm

Always Time For Dancing in Lemoyne, has the biggest selection of dance lessons and parties. This is the place where you can learn west coast swing, hustle and argentine tango. Each night is dedicated to a different dance and a dance party is held afterwards. There are also special workshops and special events on holidays.
http://www.atfdance.com

There is even a local chapter of the USABDA (USA Ballroom Dance Association) with a dance on the third Friday of each month at the Alert Fire Hall in Emigsville. There is a beginner and intermediate lesson for only $10. http://www.danceinyork.net

If you like country, you've got to check out Low Places in Lancaster (in the Quality Inn). There is dancing Thursday thru Sunday nights with lessons for $5. http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-lancaster-pennsylvania-PA370

There is line dancing at the Country Farm Barn Market in Lancaster every Tuesday, Friday and the last Saturday of the month with lessons for $5.
http://www.countrybarnmkt.com

There is plenty of dancing all over America and not just in NYC. York, PA is a good example. All you have to do is is look around you and find the party!